MS.

at least, is generally acceptable, but what we it imply a deficiency of spiritual endowments. believe can be traced to preconceived intention, Parents and guardians, looking forward to sources and specific acts and formal contrivances of human of honourable maintenance for their children and understanding. A Christian instructor thoroughly wards, often direct their thoughts early towards accomplished would be a standing restraint upon the church, being determined partly by outward such presumptuousness of judgment, by impressing circumstances, and partly by indications of seriousthe truth that,

ness, or intellectual fitness. It is natural that a

boy or youth, with such a prospect before him, In the unreasoning progress of the world

should turn his attention to those studies, and be A wiser spirit is at work for us, A better eye than ours.

led into those habits of reflection, which will in

some degree tend to prepare him for the duties Revelation points to the purity and peace of a he is hereafter to undertake. As he draws nearer future world; but our sphere of duty is upon to the time when he will be called to these duties, earth ; and the relations of impure and conflicting he is both led and compelled to examine the things to each other must be understood, or we Scriptures. He becomes more and more sensible shall be perpetually going wrong, in all but goodness of their truth. Devotion grows in him; and what of intention ; and goodness of intention will itself might begin in temporal considerations, will end relax through frequent disappointment. How (as in a majority of instances we trust it does) in a desirable, then, is it, that a minister of the Gospel spiritual-mindedness not unworthy of that Gospel, should be versed in the knowledge of existing facts, the lessons of which he is to teach, and the faith of and be accustomed to a wide range of social ex- which he is to inculcate. Not inappositely may be perience! Nor is it less desirable for the purpose here repeated an observation which, from its obof counterbalancing and tempering in his own viousness and importance, must have been fremind that ambition with which spiritual power is quently made, viz. that the impoverishing of the as apt to be tainted as any other species of power clergy, and bringing their incomes much nearer which men covet or possess.

to a level, would not cause them to become less It must be obvious that the scope of the argu- worldly-minded: the emoluments, howsoever rement is to discourage an attempt which would duced, would be as eagerly sought for, but by men introduce into the Church of England an equality from lower classes in society; men who, by their of income, and station, upon the model of that of manners, habits, abilities, and the scanty measure Scotland. The sounder part of the Scottish nation of their attainments, would unavoidably be less know what good their ancestors derived from their fitted for their station, and less competent to church, and feel how deeply the living generation discharge its duties. is indebted to it. They respect and love it, as ac- Visionary notions have in all ages been afloat commodated in so great a measure to a compara- upon the subject of best providing for the clergy ; tively poor country, through the far greater notions which have been sincerely entertained by portion of which prevails a uniformity of employ- good men, with a view to the improvement of that ment; but the acknowledged deficiency of theo- order, and eagerly caught at and dwelt upon, by the logical learning among the clergy of that church is designing, for its degradation and disparagement. easily accounted for by this very equality. What Some are beguiled by what they call the roluntary else may be wanting there, it would be unpleasant system, not seeing (what stares one in the face at to inquire, and might prove invidious to determine : the very threshold) that they who stand in most one thing, however, is clear; that in all countries need of religious instruction are unconscious of the temporalities of the Church Establishment the want, and therefore cannot reasonably be exshould bear an analogy to the state of society, pected to make any sacrifices in order to supply otherwise it cannot diffuse its influence through it. Will the licentious, the sensual, and the dethe whole community. In a country so rich and praved, take from the means of their gratifications luxurious as England, the character of its clergy and pursuits, to support a discipline that cannot must unavoidably sink, and their influence be advance without uprooting the trees that bear the every where impaired, if individuals from the fruit which they devour so greedily? Will they upper ranks, and men of leading talents, are to pay the price of that seed whose harvest is to be have no inducements to enter into that body but reaped in an invisible world? A voluntary system such as are purely spiritual. And this “tinge of for the religious exigencies of a people numerous secularity' is no reproach to the clergy, nor does and circumstanced as we are! Not more absurd

3

would it be to expect that a knot of boys should This cannot be effected, unless the English
draw upon the pittance of their pocket-money to Government vindicate the truth, that, as her
build schools, or out of the abundance of their dis- church exists for the benefit of all (though not in
cretion be able to select fit masters to teach and equal degree), whether of her communion or not,
keep them in order! Some, who clearly perceive all should be made to contribute to its support.
the incompetence and folly of such a scheme for If this ground be abandoned, cause will be given to
the agricultural part of the people, nevertheless fear that a moral wound may be inflicted upon
think it feasible in large towns, where the rich the heart of the English people, for which a remedy
might subscribe for the religious instruction of the cannot be speedily provided by the utmost efforts
poor. Alas! they know little of the thick dark- which the members of the Church will themselves
ness that spreads over the streets and alleys of our be able to make.
large towns. The parish of Lambeth, a few years But let the friends of the church be of good
since,contained not more than one church and three courage. Powers are at work, by which, under
or four small proprietary chapels, while dissenting Divine Providence, she may be strengthened and
chapels, of every denomination were still more scan- the sphere of her usefulness extended ; not by
tily found there; yet the inhabitants of the parish alterations in her Liturgy, accommodated to this
amounted at that time to upwards of 50,000. Were or that demand of finical taste, nor by cutting off
the parish church and the chapels of the Establish- this or that from her articles or Canons, to which
ment existing there, an impediment to the spread the scrupulous or the overweening may object.
of the Gospel among that mass of people? Who Covert schism, and open nonconformity, would
shall dare to say so? But if any one, in the face survive after alterations, however promising in
of the fact which has just been stated, and in op- the eyes of those whose subtilty had been exercised
position to authentic reports to the same effect in making them. Latitudinarianism is the par-
from various other quarters, should still contend, helion of liberty of conscience, and will ever
that a voluntary system is sufficient for the spread successfully lay claim to a divided worship.
and maintenance of religion, we would ask, what Among Presbyterians, Socinians, Baptists, and
kind of religion? wherein would it differ, among Independents, there will always be found numbers
the many, from deplorable fanaticism ?

who will tire of their several creeds, and some For the preservation of the Church Establish

will come over to the Church. Conventicles may ment, all men, whether they belong to it or not, disappear, congregations in each denomination could they perceive their true interest, would be may fall into decay or be broken up, but the constrenuous: but how inadequate are its provisions quests which the National Church ought chiefly to for the needs of the country! and how much is it aim at, lie among the thousands and tens of thouto be regretted that, while its zealous friends yield sands of the unhappy outcasts who grow up with to alarms on account of the hostility of dissent, no religion at all. The wants of these cannot they should so much over-rate the danger to be but be feelingly remembered. Whatever may be apprehended from that quarter, and almost over- the disposition of the new constituencies under look the fact that hundreds of thousands of our

the reformed parliament, and the course which fellow-countrymen, though formally and nominally the men of their choice may be inclined or comof the Church of England, never enter her places pelled to follow, it may be confidently hoped that of worship, neither have they communication with individuals acting in their private capacities, will her ministers ! This deplorable state of things endeavour to make up for the deficiencies of the was partly produced by a decay of zeal among the legislature. Is it too much to expect that prorich and influential, and partly by a want of due prietors of large estates, where the inhabitants expansive power in the constitution of the Estab

are without religious instruction, or where it is lishment as regulated by law. Private benefactors, sparingly supplied, will deem it their duty to take in their efforts to build and endow churches, have part in this good work; and that thriving manubeen frustrated, or too much impeded by legal facturers and merchants will, in their several obstacles: these, where they are unreasonable or neighbourhoods, be sensible of the like obligation, unfitted for the times, ought to be removed ; and, and act upon it with generous rivalry ? keeping clear of intolerance and injustice, means Moreover, the force of public opinion is rapidly should be used to render the presence and powers increasing: and some may bend to it, who are not of the church cominensurate with the wants of a so happy as to be swayed by a higher motive; shifting and still-increasing population.

especially they who derive large incomes from

3

lay-impropriations, in tracts of country where sober-minded admit that, in general views, my
ministers are few and meagrely provided for. affections have been moved, and my imagination
A claim still stronger may be acknowledged by exercised, under and for the guidance of reason.
those who, round their superb habitations, or else-
where, walk over vast estates which were lavished * Here might I pause, and bend in reverence
upon their ancestors by royal favouritism or pur-

To Nature, and the power of human minds;

To men as they are men within themselves. chased at insignificant prices after church-spo

How oft high service is performed within, liation ; such proprietors, though not conscience

When all the external man is rude in show; stricken (there is no call for that) may be Not like a temple rich with pomp and gold, prompted to make a return for which their tenantry

But a mere mountain chapel that protects and dependents will learn to bless their names.

Its simple worshippers from sun and shower!

Of these, said I, shall be my song; of these,
An impulse has been given; an accession of means

If future years mature me for the task,
from these several sources, co-operating with a Will I record the praises, making verse
well-considered change in the distribution of some Deal boldly with substantial things in truth
parts of the property at present possessed by the

And sanctity of passion, speak of these,

That justice may be done, obeisance paid
church, a change scrupulously founded upon due

Where it is due. Thus haply shall I teach
respect to law and justice, will, we trust, bring Inspire, through unadulterated ears
about so much of what her friends desire, that the Pour rapture, tenderness, and hope; my theme
rest may be calmly waited for, with thankfulness

No other than the very heart of man,
for what shall have been obtained.

As found among the best of those who live,

Not unexalted by religious faith,
Let it not be thought unbecoming in a layman, Nor uninformed by books, good books, though few,
to have treated at length a subject with which the In Nature's presence: thence may I select
clergy are more intimately conversant. All may,

Sorrow that is not sorrow, but delight,
without impropriety, speak of what deeply concerns

And miserable love that is not pain

To hear of, for the glory that redounds
all; nor need an apology be offered for going over

Therefrom to human kind, and what we are.
ground which has been trod before so ably and so Be mine to follow with no timid step
often : without pretending, however, to any thing Where knowledge leads me; it shall be my pride
of novelty, either in matter or manner, something

That I have dared to tread this holy ground,

Speaking no dream, but things oracular, may have been offered to view, which will save the

Matter not lightly to be heard by those writer from the imputation of having little to re- Who to the letter of the outward promise commend his labour, but goodness of intention. Do read the invisible soul; by men adroit It was with reference to thoughts and feelings

In speech, and for communion with the world

Accomplished, minds whose faculties are then expressed in verse, that I entered upon the above

Most active when they are most eloquent, notices, and with verse I will conclude. The

And elevated most when most admired. passage is extracted from my MSS. written above Men may be found of other mould than these; thirty years ago: it turns upon the individual Who are their own upholders, to themselves dignity which humbleness of social condition does

Encouragement and energy, and will;

Expressing liveliest thoughts in lively words not preclude, but frequently promotes. It has no As native passion dictates. Others, too, direct bearing upon clubs for the discussion of There are, among the walks of homely life, public affairs, nor upon political or trade-unions ;

Still higher, men for contemplation framed;

Shy, and unpractised in the strife of phrase ; but if a single workman-who, being a member of

Meek men, whose very souls perhaps would sink one of those clubs, runs the risk of becoming an

Beneath them, summoned to such intercourse. agitator, or who, being enrolled in a union, must Their's is the language of the heavens, the power, be left without a will of his own, and therefore a

The thought, the image, and the silent joy: slave-should read these lines, and be touched

Words are but under-agents in their souls ;

When they are grasping with their greatest strength
by them, I should indeed rejoice, and little

They do not breathe among them ; this I speak
would I care for losing credit as a poet with In gratitude to God, who feeds our hearts
intemperate critics, who think differently from me For his own service, knoweth, loveth us,
upon political philosophy or public measures, if the

When we are unregarded by the world."

Y_1850

INDEX TO THE POEMS.

[In case of need, seek under the word Lines, Sonnet, or Stanzas.]

Congratulation, 332
Conjectures, 312
Conversion, 315
Corruptions of the higher Clergy, 322
Countess' Pillar, 341
Cranmer, 324
Crusaders, 320
Crusades, 3/8

-

Danish Conquests, 317
Decay of Piety, 201
Dedication (Con. Tour), 255

(Mis. Son.), 197

(W. Doe of R.), 292
Departure.- Vale of Grasmere, 218
Descriptive Sketches, 6
Desultory Stanzas, 268
Devotional Incitements, 177
Dion, 165
Dissensions, 314
Dissolution of the Monasteries, 322

322

322
Distractions, 325
Druidical Excommunication, 313

ABUSE of Monastic Power, 322

At Applethwaite, 198
A Character, 362

At Bologna, 387
A Complaint, 79

387
Acquittal of the Bishops, 328

388
Address from the Spirit of Cocker- At Dover, 268
mouth Castle, 349

At Florence, 278
to a Child, 55

278
to Kilchurn Castle, 223

279
to my Infant Daughter, 130 At Furness Abbey, 217
to the Scholars of the Village

217
School of
433

A Tradition of Oken Hill, 213
Admonition, 197

At Rome, 274
A Fact and an Imagination, 373

274
A Farewell, 75

274
Afflictions of England, 326

275
A Flower Garden, 113

At the Convent of Camaldoli, 277
After leaving Italy, 279

277
279

277
After-thought (Riv. Dud.), 292 At the Grave of Burns, 218

(Tour Contin.), 258 At Vallombrosa, 277
A Grave-stone.- Worcester Cathedral, A Wren's Nest, 127

213
A Jewish Family, 180
Airey.force Valley, 142

Baptism, 330
Aix-la-Chapelle, 256

Before the Picture of the Baptist, 278
Alfred, 316

Beggars, 147
Alfred's Descendants, 317

Sequel, 148
Alice Fell, 56

Bothwell Castle, 340
American Tradition, 289

Bruges, 255

255
Among the Ruins of a Convent in the

Apennines, 279
A Morning Exercise, 113

Calais, Aug. 1802, 236
Anecdote for Fathers, 60

15 Aug. 1802, 237
An Evening Walk, 2

Canute, 317
A Night-piece, 141

Captivity. Mary Queen of Scots, 208
A Night-thought, 369

Casual Incitement, 314
Animal Tranquillity and Decay, 429 Catechising, 330
An Interdict, 318

Cathedrals, &c., 333
Anticipation, Oct. 1803, 240

Cave of Staffa, 355
A Parsonage in Oxfordshire, 211

355
A Place of Burial in the South of Scot-

355
land, 336

Cenotaph, 432
A Plea for Authors, 216

Characteristics of a Child, 55
A Poet's Epitaph, 364

Character of the Happy Warrior, 371
Apology (Ecc. Son.), 315

Charles the Second, 327
(Ecc. Son.), 323

Church to be erected, 333
(Pun. of Death), 391

333
(Yar. Rev.), 341

Cistertian Monastery, 319
A Prophecy, Feb. 1807, 242

Clerical Integrity, 327
Archbishop Chichely to Henry V., 321 Conclusion (Eoc. Son.), 334
Artegal and Elidure, 72

(Mis Son.), 209
Aspects of Christianity in America, 328

(Pun. of Death), 391
329

(Riv. Dud.), 291

329 Confirmation, 330
At Albano, 275

330

Eagles, 337
Echo, upon the Gemmi, 265
Edward VL, 324

signing the Warrant, 324
Effusion.-Banks of the Bran, 233

Tower of Tell, 259
Ejaculation, 334
Elegiac Musings-Coleorton Hall, 438
Stanzas, 1824, 437

F. W. Goddard, 266

Peele Castle, 434
Verses. John Wordsworth,
1805, 435
Elizabeth, 325
Ellen Irwin, 221
Emigrant French Clergy, 332
Eminent Reformers, 325

325
Engelberg, 259
English Reformers in exile, 325
Epistle to Sir George Beaumont, Bart,

392
Epitaph. Langdale Chapel-yard, 432
Epitaphs from Chiabrera, 430
Expostulation and Reply, 361
Extempore Effusion, upon the death

of James Hogg, 440

Extract from the conclusion of a Introduction, (Eco. Son.), 312

Ode composed on an Evening of extra-
Poem, 1
Invocation to the Earth, 436

ordinary splendour, 345
Iona, 356

on May Morning, 381
Fancy and Tradition, 341
- 356

Intimations of Immortality, 441
Farewell Lines, 104
Journey renewed, 291

1815, 250
Feelings of a French Royalist, 250
Isle of Man, 352

1814, 248
a Noble Biscayan, 245

353

to Duty, 370
the Tyrolese, 243

to Lycoris, 374
Fidelity, 370

Old Abbeys, 332
Filial Piety, 213

Lament of Mary Queen of Scots, 80 On a Portrait of the Duke of Welling-
Fish-women, 255
Laodamia, 162

ton, 214
Floating Island (D. W.), 398
Latimer and Ridley, 324

Open Prospect, 288
Flowers, 287
Latitudinarianism, 327

Other Benefits, 320
Cave of Staffa, 355
Laud, 326

320
Foresight, 54
Liberty.-Gold and Silver Fishes, 396;

Influences, 315
Forms of Prayer at Sea, 331

Lines. Above Tintern Abbey, 160 Our Lady of the Snow, 259
Fort Fuentes, 260

Album of the Countess of Oxford, May 30, 1820, 210
French Revolution, 161
Lonsdale, 404

210
From the Alban Hills, 275

Blank Leaf of the "Excursion,"
Funeral Service, 33)

437
By the Sea-shore, 346

Papal Abuses, 318
By the Sea-side, 343

Dominion, 318
General View.-Reformation, 325

By the side of Rydal Mere, 343 Pastoral Character, 329
Gipsies, 148

Charles Lamb, 438

Patriotic Sympathies, 327
Glad Tidings, 314

Coast of Cumberland, 342 Paulinus, 315
Glen-Almain, 222

Expected Invasion, 1803, 240 Persecution, 313
Gold and Silver Fishes in a Vase, 395

In a boat at evening, 6

of the Covenanters, 327
Goody Blake and Harry Gill, 402

In early Spring, 362

Personal talk, 367
Gordale, 209

Macpherson's Ossian, 354

Persuasion, 315
Grace Darling, 405

Mr. Fox, 436

Peter Bell, 185
Greenock, 356

Portrait, 383

Picture of Daniel in the Lion's Den,
Guilt and Sorrow, 15

384

340
Gunpowder Plot, 326

Suggested by a Picture of the Places of Worship, 329
Bird of Paradise, 180

Plea for the Historian, 274
Hart-leap Well, 156

Upon seeing a coloured Draw. Poor Robin, 397
Harts-horn Tree, 341

ing of the Bird of Paradise, 385

Power of Music, 145
Her eyes are wild, 106

Yew-tree Seat, 14

Prelude. Poems chiefly of early and
Highland Hut, 338
London, 1802, 238

late years, 403
Hint from the Mountains, 122
Love lies bleeding, 128

Presentiments, 175
Hints for the Fancy, 288

Companion to, 128 Primitive Saxon Clergy, 315
Hoffer, 243
Loving and Liking, 104

Processions Chamouny, 265
Humanity, 377

Louisa, 77
Hymn for the Boatmen.—Heidelberg, Lucy Gray, 57
Lowther, 358

Recollection of the Portrait of Henry
257

VIII., 210

Recovery, 313
Illustration, 326
Malham Cove, 209

Reflections, 323
Imaginative Regrets, 323
Mary Queen of Scots, 350

Regrets, 332
Incident at Bruges, 255
Maternal Grief, 85

Remembrance of Collins, 6
characteristic of a favourite Matthew, 365

Repentance, 83
Dog, 369
Memorial.-Lake of Thun, 258

Reproof, 316
Indignation of a high-minded Spaniard, Memory, 376

Resolution and Independence, 151
246
Michael, 96

Rest and be thankful.-Glencroe, 338
Influence abused, 317
Missions and Travels, 316

Retirement, 204
of natural objects, 62
Monastery of old Bangor, 314

Return, 289
In Lombardy, 279
Monastic Voluptuousness, 322

Revival of Popery, 324
Inscription. At the request of Sir Monks and Schoolmen, 319

Richard I., 318
G. H. Beaumont, 411

Monument of Mrs. Howard, 357 Rob Roy's Grave, 224
Black Comb, 412

Musings near Aquapendente, 270 Roman Antiquities.-Bishopstone, 213
Crosthwaite. Church, 440 Mutability, 332

Old Penrith, 341
For a seat in the groves

Rural Architecture, 60
of Coleorton, 411

Ceremony, 332
Hermitage, 415

Near Rome. In sight of St. Peter's, Illusions, 128
Hermit's Cell, 413
275

Ruth, 148
In a garden of Sir G, H.

the Lake of Thrasymene, 275
Beaumont, 411

276
In the grounds of Cole New Churches, 333

Sacheverel, 328
orton, 411

Church-yard, 333

Sacrament, 330
Island at Grasmere, 412 Nunnery, 357

Saints, 323
at Rydal, 412
Nun's Well, Brigham, 349

Saxon Conquest, 314
Spring of the Hermitage, Nutting, 142

Monasteries, 316
414

Scene in Venice, 318
upon a Rock, 414

Obligations of civil to religious Li- on the Lake of Brientz, 258
Inside of King's College Chapel, 333

berty, 328

Seathwaite Chapel, 289
334
Ode, 240

Seclusion, 316
334
composed in January, 1816, 252

316